Fred T. Walker

TAYLORSVILLE - Fred Turner Walker, 89, of Terrace Lawn Court, Taylorsville, died Sunday, April 11, 2010, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center with his loving wife and family by his side. Born Jan. 1, 1921, in Catawba County to the late George Walker and Essie Walker Childers, Walker owned and operated Walker Foundry for more than 50 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville. Walker served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he earned five Bronze Stars. During his service, Walker served in the 27th Evacuation Hospital and was recognized with a Service Award for Meritorious Service in the Battle of Colmar Pocket. Walker was active in his community, having served as an Alexander County Commissioner and on the board of directors of Alexander County Hospital. He also was a former commander of VFW Post 5466, a member of the Alexander County Chamber of Commerce and Taylorsville Rotary Club. Friends will remember Fred as an avid runner and cyclist. He competed in several 26-mile marathons and loved cycling in the North Carolina mountains. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Mary Burgess Walker; four sisters, Lorene Elder, Hazel Teague, Margie Cavin and Betty Hubbard; and a brother, Ralph Childers. Survivors include his wife, Mavin McNeilly Walker; one son, Michael Walker of Taylorsville; five daughters, Karen Rowe and Diane Cash, both of Durham, Myra Miracle Chapman and husband, Mike, of Elgin, S.C., Janet Lansford and husband, Shawn, of Taylorsville, and Joyce Mayo and husband, Trent, of Wilson; one stepdaughter, Denise Moseley, and husband, Alan, of Indian Trail; three sisters, Marie James and Helen Mecimore, both of Taylorsville, and Wilma Chapman of Kannapolis; eight grandchildren, David Robinson, Sherrie Chapman, Miles Rowe, Lindsey and Leah Mayo, Hayley Smith, and Benjamin and Thomas Cash; and two great-grandchildren, Maggie Rowe and Jordan Robinson. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Lori Beth Huffman at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors by members of VFW Post 10,000 and VFW Post 5466 will be in the Taylorsville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Adams Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 13. Condolences may be sent to the Walker family at www.adamsfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 157, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681.